A family business based in Appleby has celebrated its 200th anniversary by welcoming the ninth generation to its ranks.

H Pigney and Son has been serving the Eden Valley since 1824 - originally starting out as a blacksmiths before now selling and servicing agricultural machinery.

Having evolved with the local farming community over three separate centuries, the business is looking to celebrate 2024 in style.

Anna Pigney said: "We are holding an open day and celebration evening on Saturday, September 21 for all our customers, suppliers and friends, and we hope to have a good attendance from our franchise representatives which includes Kubota, Suzuki and Husqvarna.

"We intend to celebrate at our retail premise on Chapel Street for all our hardware shop customers through the morning and from 3pm at our warehouse at Howgill House, where we will be showcasing our larger agricultural machines, as well as providing entertainment, refreshments and a prize raffle."

The Westmorland Gazette: The landmark anniversary will be celebrated throughout the yearThe landmark anniversary will be celebrated throughout the year (Image: H Pigney and Son)

Having been in operation for so long, the addition of what the team believe is the ninth generation to the family business has accentuated that longevity.

"It feels like a great sense of achievement to be part of such a long-standing family firm," Anna explained. 

"Some say that you shouldn't work with family and although it can be difficult at times, I'm sure none of us would have it any other way - we all have our own roles and along with over 20 other staff members, it just works."

The Westmorland Gazette: This invoice was found in the family's archives, sent to them by the Westmorland Gazette in July 1944 - what a find!This invoice was found in the family's archives, sent to them by the Westmorland Gazette in July 1944 - what a find! (Image: H Pigney and Son)

In the past 50 years, H Pigney and Son has expanded to serve the horticultural and forestry industries, as well as having petrol pumps at its site and a hardware and ironmongery store.

The family described how they owed a lot of their success to the town of Appleby.

Anna added: "Without the support of the community we simply wouldn't be here - we've served the same local community for 200 years now and are very grateful for their support and custom over the years.

"When looking back at the old day books, we see local farm names that are still going strong today."